Investigation number
198601397
Occurrence date
Location
Swan Hill
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Hard landing
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None

Following a dual check, the pilot was authorised to carry out a series of solo circuits and landings. Two landings had been completed successfully, however the pilot advised that on the next approach the aircraft was affected by a wind gust. Appropriate corrections were made, but another gust was encountered and the pilot applied power in order to go around. Almost immediately afterwards the left wingtip contacted the ground, followed by the left mainwheel. The nose gear collapsed when it struck the ground and the aircraft came to rest at right angles to the strip direction. The wind at the time was generally down the strip at about 10 knots, with gusts to about 15 knots. The pilot had flown successfully in similar conditions in the past, but on this occasion had not been able to react sufficiently quickly when the left wing dropped.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Piper Aircraft Corp
Model
PA-38
Registration
VH-MIR
Operation type
Flying Training
Departure point
Swan Hill VIC
Departure time
1115
Destination
Swan Hill VIC
Damage
Substantial